This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER

contains regulatory documents having general

applicability and legal effect, most of which

are keyed to and codified in the Code of

Federal Regulations, which is published under

50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by

the Superintendent of Documents.

Rules and Regulations Federal Register

38407 

Vol. 86, No. 137 

Wednesday, July 21, 2021 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2021–0102; Project 

Identifier AD–2020–01270–E; Amendment 

39–21621; AD 2021–13–16] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; General 

Electric Company Turbofan Engines 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Final rule. 

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new 

airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 

General Electric Company (GE) GEnx– 

2B67, GEnx–2B67/P, and GEnx–2B67B 

model turbofan engines. This AD was 

prompted by a report of a crack in the 

lower fuel manifold causing fuel 

leakage. This AD requires an ultrasonic 

inspection (USI) or a fluorescent 

penetrant inspection (FPI) of the lower 

fuel manifold. Depending on the results 

of the USI or FPI, this AD requires 

replacement of the lower fuel manifold 

with a part eligible for installation. The 

FAA is issuing this AD to address the 

unsafe condition on these products. 

DATES: This AD is effective August 25, 

2021. 

The Director of the Federal Register 

approved the incorporation by reference 

of a certain publication listed in this AD 

as of August 25, 2021. 

ADDRESSES: For service information 

identified in this final rule, contact 

General Electric Company, 1 Neumann 

Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: 

(513) 552–3272; email: 

aviation.fleetsupport@ae.ge.com; 

website: www.ge.com. You may view 

this service information at the FAA, 

Airworthiness Products Section, 

Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District 

Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For 

information on the availability of this 

material at the FAA, call (781) 238– 

7759. It is also available at https://

www.regulations.gov by searching for 

and locating Docket No. FAA–2021– 

0102. 

Examining the AD Docket 

You may examine the AD docket at 

https://www.regulations.gov by 

searching for and locating Docket No. 

FAA–2021–0102; or in person at Docket 

Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 

Monday through Friday, except Federal 

holidays. The AD docket contains this 

final rule, any comments received, and 

other information. The address for 

Docket Operations is U.S. Department of 

Transportation, Docket Operations, 

M–30, West Building Ground Floor, 

Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey 

Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Alexei Marqueen, Aviation Safety 

Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 

District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; 

phone: (781) 238–7178; fax: (781) 238– 

7199; email: Alexei.T.Marqueen@

faa.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background 

The FAA issued a notice of proposed 

rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 

part 39 by adding an AD that would 

apply to certain GE GEnx–2B67, GEnx– 

2B67/P, and GEnx–2B67B model 

turbofan engines. The NPRM published 

in the Federal Register on February 26, 

2021 (86 FR 11670). The NPRM was 

prompted by a report that a GEnx–2B 

model turbofan engine installed on a 

Boeing Model 747–8 airplane was 

removed from service due to confirmed 

fuel leakage from a lower fuel manifold 

in May 2019. The operator observed fuel 

leakage during a routine borescope 

inspection of the high-pressure turbine 

and later confirmed, by ultrasonic 

inspection, a crack at brazed block #4 in 

the pilot secondary fuel circuit tube on 

the lower fuel manifold. The FAA 

received two similar reports, in March 

2020 and May 2020, of a fuel leak from 

the lower fuel manifold at brazed block 

#4. The manufacturer has identified the 

root cause of this cracking as low-cycle 

fatigue due to the abrupt transition 

created by the brazed support block pad 

and its inability to slide due to thermal 

loads as intended. In the NPRM, the 

FAA proposed to require an USI or an 

FPI of the lower fuel manifold. 

Depending on the results of the USI or 

FPI, the NPRM proposed to require 

replacement of the lower fuel manifold 

with a part eligible for installation. The 

FAA is issuing this AD to address the 

unsafe condition on these products. 

Discussion of Final Airworthiness 

Directive 

Comments 

The FAA received comments from 

five commenters. The commenters were 

Air Line Pilots Association, 

International (ALPA); Boeing 

Commercial Airplanes (Boeing); Cathay 

Pacific Airways Limited (Cathay); GE; 

and United Parcel Service (UPS). The 

following presents the comments 

received on the NPRM and the FAA’s 

response to each comment. 

Request for Confirmation That 

Alternate Ultrasonic Probes Are 

Approved 

UPS requested confirmation of 

whether the alternate probes listed in 

Appendix—A, paragraph 4.1.1. of GE 

GEnx–2B Service Bulletin (SB) 73–0089 

R01, dated January 11, 2021 (SB 73– 

0089 R01), are approved alternate 

ultrasonic probes to inspect the lower 

fuel manifold. UPS reasoned that 

Appendix—A, paragraph 4.1.1. of SB 

73–0089 R01 indicates that ultrasonic 

probes part number (P/N) 00–010012 

and P/N 00–010013 are approved 

alternates for ultrasonic probes P/N 

389–085–151 and P/N 389–085–161, 

respectively. However, the inspection 

procedure, figures, and record log in SB 

73–0089 R01 only list ultrasonic probe 

P/N 389–085–151 and P/N 389–085– 

161. 

The FAA confirms that alternate 

ultrasonic probes, P/N 00–010012 and 

P/N 00–010013, are approved alternates, 

and this AD does not prohibit their use. 

Request for Allowance of Alternative 

Probe Application Tool 

UPS requested that the FAA allow 

alternative, locally manufactured probe 

application tools to aid in the 

installation of the ultrasonic probes on 

the lower fuel manifold. UPS reasoned 

that during the installation of the 

ultrasonic probes on the lower fuel 

manifold using probe application tool 

P/N SGP–156, which is included with 

the GE Aircraft Engines Inspection Kit 

P/N GE–FQAP–677, maintenance noted 

that in certain locations, modifying the 

GE probe application tool provides 


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38408 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 21, 2021 / Rules and Regulations 

easier installation of the ultrasonic 

probes. UPS commented that all locally 

manufactured probe application tools 

would be removed before the USI, 

similar to using probe application tool 

P/N SGP–156. 

This AD does not address requests for 

specific tool modifications. However, 

the FAA will consider requests for 

alternative methods of compliance 

requests in accordance with paragraph 

(k) of this AD that include a request for 

the modifications to the probe 

application tool. 

Request for Add Credit for Previous 

Action 

Cathay requested that this AD provide 

credit for previous performance of 

inspections of the fuel manifold before 

the effective date of this AD in 

accordance with both GE GEnx–2B SB 

73–0089 R01, dated January 11, 2021, 

and R00, dated May 8, 2020. 

The FAA agrees. The instructions for 

accomplishing the on-wing USI and FPI 

have not changed between R00, dated 

May 8, 2020, and R01, dated January 11, 

2021, of GE GEnx–2B SB 73–0089. The 

FAA added a Credit for Previous 

Actions paragraph to this AD. 

Support for the AD 

ALPA, Boeing, and GE expressed 

support for the AD as written. 

Conclusion 

The FAA reviewed the relevant data, 

considered any comments received, and 

determined that air safety requires 

adopting this AD as proposed. 

Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD 

to address the unsafe condition on these 

products except for minor editorial 

changes and any other changes 

described previously, this AD is 

adopted as proposed in the NPRM. 

None of the changes will increase the 

economic burden on any operator. 

Related Service Information Under 1 

CFR Part 51 

The FAA reviewed GE GEnx–2B SB 

73–0089 R01, dated January 11, 2021. 

The service information specifies 

procedures for performing an initial onwing visual inspection, a USI, or an FPI 

of the top main fuel manifold and the 

lower fuel manifold. The service 

information also specifies procedures 

for performing repetitive in-shop visual 

inspection and FPI for GEnx–2B model 

turbofan engines. The service 

information also provides instructions 

for replacing the top main fuel manifold 

and lower fuel manifold if a crack is 

found that exceeds the manufacturer’s 

criteria or if a leak is detected during 

inspection. This service information is 

reasonably available because the 

interested parties have access to it 

through their normal course of business 

or by the means identified in 

ADDRESSES. 

Interim Action 

The FAA considers this AD to be an 

interim action. The design approval 

holder is currently developing a 

modification to address the unsafe 

condition identified in this AD. Once 

this modification is developed, the FAA 

might consider additional rulemaking. 

Costs of Compliance 

The FAA estimates that this AD 

affects 156 engines installed on 

airplanes of U.S. registry. 

The FAA estimates the following 

costs to comply with this AD: 

ESTIMATED COSTS

Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per 

product 

Cost on U.S. 

operators 

FPI or USI of the lower fuel manifold ............. 16 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,360 ........ $0 $1,360 $212,160 

The FAA estimates the following 

costs to do any necessary replacements 

that would be required based on the 

results of the inspection. The agency has 

no way of determining the number of 

aircraft that might need this 

replacement: 

ON-CONDITION COSTS

Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per 

product 

Replace the lower fuel manifold ................................... 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ........................... $47,730 $47,900 

The FAA has included all known 

costs in its cost estimate. According to 

the manufacturer, however, some of the 

costs of this AD may be covered under 

warranty, thereby reducing the cost 

impact on affected individuals. 

Authority for This Rulemaking 

Title 49 of the United States Code 

specifies the FAA’s authority to issue 

rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, 

section 106, describes the authority of 

the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: 

Aviation Programs, describes in more 

detail the scope of the Agency’s 

authority. 

The FAA is issuing this rulemaking 

under the authority described in 

Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 

44701: General requirements. Under 

that section, Congress charges the FAA 

with promoting safe flight of civil 

aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 

regulations for practices, methods, and 

procedures the Administrator finds 

necessary for safety in air commerce. 

This regulation is within the scope of 

that authority because it addresses an 

unsafe condition that is likely to exist or 

develop on products identified in this 

rulemaking action. 

Regulatory Findings 

This AD will not have federalism 

implications under Executive Order 

13132. This AD will not have a 

substantial direct effect on the States, on 

the relationship between the national 

government and the States, or on the 

distribution of power and 

responsibilities among the various 

levels of government. 

For the reasons discussed above, I 

certify that this AD: 

(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory 

action’’ under Executive Order 12866, 

(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation 

in Alaska, and 

(3) Will not have a significant 

economic impact, positive or negative, 

on a substantial number of small entities 

under the criteria of the Regulatory 

Flexibility Act. 


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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 137 / Wednesday, July 21, 2021 / Rules and Regulations 38409 

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation 

safety, Incorporation by reference, 

Safety. 

The Amendment 

Accordingly, under the authority 

delegated to me by the Administrator, 

the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as 

follows: 

PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS 

DIRECTIVES 

■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 

continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 

§ 39.13 [Amended] 

■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding 

the following new airworthiness 

directive: 

2021–13–16 General Electric Company: 

Amendment 39–21621; Docket No. 

FAA–2021–0102; Project Identifier AD– 

2020–01270–E. 

(a) Effective Date 

This airworthiness directive (AD) is 

effective August 25, 2021. 

(b) Affected ADs 

None. 

(c) Applicability 

This AD applies to General Electric 

Company (GE) GEnx–2B67, GEnx–2B67/P, 

and GEnx–2B67B model turbofan engines 

with lower fuel manifold, part number (P/N) 

2619M58G01, installed. 

(d) Subject 

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) 

Code 7310, Engine Fuel Distribution. 

(e) Unsafe Condition 

This AD was prompted by a report of a 

crack in the lower fuel manifold. The FAA 

is issuing this AD to detect cracking of the 

lower fuel manifold. The unsafe condition, if 

not addressed, could result in failure of the 

fuel manifold, engine fire, and damage to the 

airplane. 

(f) Compliance 

Comply with this AD within the 

compliance times specified, unless already 

done. 

(g) Required Actions 

(1) Within the compliance time specified 

in Table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, 

perform either an ultrasonic inspection (USI), 

an on-wing spot fluorescent penetrant 

inspection (FPI), or an in-shop FPI of the 

lower fuel manifold, P/N 2619M58G01, in 

accordance with paragraph (g)(1)(i), (ii), or 

(iii) of this AD, as applicable. 

TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (g)(1)—COMPLIANCE TIME

Lower fuel manifold 

cycles since new (CSN) Compliance time 

Less than 1,700 CSN ........... After the lower fuel manifold has accumulated 1,700 CSN, but before it exceeds 2,200 CSN. 

1,700 CSN or more .............. Within 500 engine flight cycles (FCs) after the effective date of this AD. 

(i) Perform a USI of the lower fuel manifold 

at the locations adjacent to the five support 

block pads to detect cracks in accordance 

with paragraph 4. Appendix—A of GEnx–2B 

Service Bulletin (SB) 73–0089 R01, dated 

January 11, 2021. 

(ii) Perform an on-wing spot FPI of the 

lower fuel manifold at the five brazed block 

joints to detect cracks. Guidance on 

performing the spot FPI can be found in 

paragraph 3.B.(6)(a) of GEnx–2B SB 73–0089 

R01, dated January 11, 2021. 

(iii) Perform an in-shop FPI of the lower 

fuel manifold at the five brazed block joints 

to detect cracks. Guidance on performing the 

FPI can be found in paragraph 3.C.(4) of 

GEnx–2B SB 73–0089 R01, dated January 11, 

2021. 

(2) If a crack or rejectable indication is 

found during the USI, on-wing spot FPI, or 

in-shop FPI required by paragraphs (g)(1)(i), 

(ii), and (iii) of this AD, before further flight, 

remove the lower fuel manifold from service 

and replace it with a part eligible for 

installation. 

(h) Definition 

For the purpose of this AD, a part eligible 

for installation is: 

(1) Any serviceable lower fuel manifold, 

P/N 2619M58G01, with less than 1,700 CSN, 

or 

(2) Any lower fuel manifold, P/N 

2619M58G01, with 1,700 CSN or more that 

has been inspected in accordance with 

paragraph (g)(1)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this AD and 

a crack or rejectable indication was not 

found, or 

(3) Any approved lower fuel manifold with 

a part number other than P/N 2619M58G01. 

(i) No Reporting Requirements 

The reporting requirements specified in 

paragraph 4. Appendix—A of GE GEnx–2B 

SB 73–0089 R01, dated January 11, 2021, are 

not required by this AD. 

(j) Credit for Previous Actions 

You may take credit for the actions 

required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD if you 

performed these actions before the effective 

date of this AD using GE GEnx–2B SB 73– 

0089 R00, dated May 8, 2020. 

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(AMOCs) 

(1) The Manager, ECO Branch, FAA, has 

the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, 

if requested using the procedures found in 14 

CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 

send your request to your principal inspector 

or local Flight Standards District Office, as 

appropriate. If sending information directly 

to the manager of the certification office, 

send it to the attention of the person 

identified in Related Information. You may 

email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@

faa.gov. 

(2) Before using any approved AMOC, 

notify your appropriate principal inspector, 

or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 

of the local flight standards district office/ 

certificate holding district office. 

(l) Related Information 

For more information about this AD, 

contact Alexei Marqueen, Aviation Safety 

Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District 

Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 

238–7178; fax: (781) 238–7199; email: 

Alexei.T.Marqueen@faa.gov. 

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference 

(1) The Director of the Federal Register 

approved the incorporation by reference 

(IBR) of the service information listed in this 

paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 

part 51. 

(2) You must use this service information 

as applicable to do the actions required by 

this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. 

(i) GE GEnx–2B Service Bulletin 73–0089 

R01, dated January 11, 2021. 

(ii) [Reserved] 

(3) For General Electric Company service 

information identified in this AD, contact 

General Electric Company, 1 Neumann Way, 

Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: (513) 552– 

3272; email: aviation.fleetsupport@

ae.ge.com; website: www.ge.com. 

(4) You may view this service information 

at FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, 

Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District 

Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For 

information on the availability of this 

material at the FAA, call (781) 238–7759. 

(5) You may view this service information 

that is incorporated by reference at the 

National Archives and Records 

Administration (NARA). For information on 

the availability of this material at NARA, 

email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: 

https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ 

ibr-locations.html. 

Issued on June 17, 2021. 

Lance T. Gant, 

Director, Compliance & Airworthiness 

Division, Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2021–15397 Filed 7–20–21; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 


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